Releases

Corrections Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the passing of an electronic monitoring bill which is designed to further protect and improve the safety of victims and the public. The Electronic Monitoring of Offenders Legislation Bill has had its third and final reading in Parliament. The Bill amends the Corrections Act 2004, the Sentencing Act 2002, and the Parole Act 2002 to: ...

Corrections Minister Judith Collins today acknowledged the work of 17 staff who have undertaken an overseas deployment in the last decade to assist and strengthen the corrections services of islands in the Pacific. Over the last ten years Corrections has sent delegations to three Pacific Islands: Vanuatu, Samoa and Pitcairn. At a celebration at Corrections National Office today, Ms Collins recognised the efforts of the first batch of recipients with the presentation of a Pacific Pin, known as the Hoe Akau.

Corrections has introduced changes to better support women prisoners at risk of family violence when they leave prison, says Corrections Minister Judith Collins. Most women prisoners are, or have been, victims of family violence, which may be intergenerational and an entrenched part of their lives. Corrections aims to identify women at risk of family violence early in their prison sentences so safety planning and appropriate support can be organised. ...

Around 240 people have dined on meals prepared and served by prisoners at Rimutaka Prison as part of the Prison Gate to Plate dining experience, says Corrections Minister Judith Collins. This is the fourth year the prison has taken part in Visa Wellington on a Plate and the tickets to the 2016 event sold out in three minutes. Under the guidance of celebrated chef Martin Bosley, guest chefs Chetan Pangam and Amy Gillies, and catering instructors, the prisoners have been taught to prepare and present gourmet courses to the public.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce probation with the passing of the First Offenders’ Probation Act 130 years ago today, on 9 August 1886, Corrections Minister, Judith Collins says. The Act allowed Courts to impose non-custodial sentences for first- time offenders and it established the roles and responsibilities of probation officers, setting out the duties and powers that still apply today. ...